I'm Not Under the Law, But Under Grace

In Paul’s letter to the Romans we see a masterpiece of theology and Christian doctrine. In terms of understanding what Scripture teaches in light of the greater context, studying the book of Romans is great example how this can be done, or not done. All through this letter we could cherry pick verses that say incredibly profound things, and many of them could indeed stand alone as truths for us to hold on to, believe in, and even share with others without having to do a great amount of teaching and explaining.

For example...

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Child like faith can understand this text, and make application of it.

Then look at v18 of Chapter 1...For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

This is a plain truth that is understandable to the spiritually regenerated, but even to the unregenerate this text would be understood, even if rejected, by those who have any ability to reason and think, and with very little context.

Yet we know that there are some truths and doctrines that require greater thought, and deeper study. Not because they are so confusing, but because they are so important.

The greater the importance, the greater the potential for controversy and even some disagreement, but that does not mean we should not seek to rightly handle such truths. We should.

One such important topic that Christians have confused in every generation is the topic of law and grace. Particularly this... if a sinner is saved by grace through faith alone (which we are), Is a Christian still required to keep God’s law?

Another way to ask this is, If I’m saved by grace and not by my obedience, what happens when I sin? How careful do I need to be about sinning? Do I even need to be worried about sinning? How much do I need to be concerned with obedience to what God says.

Now this is usually not a question concerning commands from Jesus. After all, John 1:17 says...For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

So, you can see why new Christians in the first century, and many believers since then, after coming to trust in the grace of Jesus and His word on the cross, wonder what the law of Moses means for them today.